New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton reportedly tested positive for the coronavirus and will not play against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.
ESPN reported Saturday that Newton had tested positive and Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer will have to start against the defending Super Bowl champions. The Patriots have reportedly conducted mass testing and there was no spread.
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Newton was not listed on the team’s injury report on Friday and was not officially placed on the league’s reserve/COVID-19 list, which is for players who have either tested positive for the virus or had been around someone who tested positive. Teams are prohibited from disclosing health statuses regarding the coronavirus.
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates his rushing touchdown against the Miami Dolphins with teammates in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
“Last night, we received notice that a Patriots player tested positive for COVID-19. The player immediately entered self-quarantine. Several additional players, coaches and staff who have been in close contact with the player received point of care tests this morning and all were negative for COVID-19,” the team said in a statement.
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“We are in close consultation with the NFL, as well as our team of independent doctors and specialists, and will follow their guidance regarding our scheduled trip to Kansas City and game against the Chiefs. The health and safety of our team, as well as our opponent, are of the highest priority.”
Kansas City Chiefs practice squad quarterback Jordan Ta'amu also tested positive for the virus, the NFL Network reported.
The NFL said the game will be postponed to either Monday or Tuesday.
"The New England-Kansas City game scheduled for 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday will be rescheduled to Monday or Tuesday after positive COVID-19 tests on both teams," the league said.
"In consultation with infectious disease experts, both clubs are working closely with the NFL and the NFLPA to evaluate multiple close contacts, perform additional testing and monitor developments. All decisions will be made with the health and safety of players, team and gameday personnel as our primary consideration."
The report the coronavirus reports come as the NFL was forced to reschedule two games because the Tennessee Titans had a break out within their organization. The Titans were set to play the Pittsburgh Steelers but that game was moved to Week 7.
The Steelers were originally going to play the Baltimore Ravens in Week 7 but now will face their AFC North division rivals in Week 8. Their matchup will take place on Nov. 1.
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The Titans and Steelers will now use Week 4 as their bye week and the Ravens’ bye week will occur Week 7. Baltimore’s bye week was originally set for Week 8.
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